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BETHEL -- Age and governing approach are among differences between two Republicans who will face off in a primary for first selectman Tuesday.

The winner will run as the GOP candidate in the November municipal election against the two-term Democratic incumbent, Matt Knickerbocker, and possibly other minority party candidates.

Will Duff, the Republican's party-endorsed candidate, is a member of the Board of Education and is a former selectman. Duff is challenged in the primary by 66-year-old Robert Burke, who served two terms as first selectman from 2005 to 2009.

Duff, 45, prides himself on being able to bring people along to his way of thinking, and providing a new Republican leadership approach.

"I'm young. I have a lot of energy. I have been a Republican all my life and I have a history of getting people to work with me," Duff said.

Burke points to his experience as the strength of his candidacy. He said he would bring conservative principles to his governance that would serve the people.

"I've run the government for four years and done a wonderful job," Burke said. "I've lived here since I was 3 years old. I ran originally because I believe the influences of the people who move in and out of here are ruining the town."

Both men said they were opposed to the town selling the Bethel Water Department, which was defeated in a referendum, and both want the town to be more fiscally responsible.

Burke said Duff has no experience with a $60 million budget, but Duff countered that Burke did not either when he was elected in 2005.

During Burke's final year in office, he faced a charge of harassment in the second degree from a woman and was granted accelerated rehabilitation, a special probation for first-time offenders. After completion, the charge was nullified.

Burke admitted he had an affair and is now divorced.

"There was no dishonor in my administration, only a flaw in my character. Through prayer and friendship, I have been cured," Burke said.

Duff, who is married and retired from a career in information technology services, was born with cystic fibrosis and had a double lung transplant four years ago.

Burke said he thinks Duff's health is an issue, but Duff disagrees.

"I've been informed by my doctor that my health is incredible now and I expect to live a very long time," Duff said. "I'm sorry to disappoint Bob, but I'll probably outlive him."

Regardless of the primary outcome, Burke said he'll run in November on the CT Tea Party line for first selectman. He formed the party two years ago and has run unsuccessfully as a third-party candidate against Knickerbocker in the last two municipal elections.

"Our concern is that people will be complacent in anticipation that Burke has no chance of winning, but Burke has signs and has a base of people to support him," Improta said. "Our town committee is actively supporting Duff's candidacy, knocking on doors to get out the vote."

Burke said he is getting a good response to his campaign.

"I love this place," he said.

Duff also said he's been well received by both Republicans and Democrats during his door-to-door visits.

"I think the Republican Party is at a precipice," Duff said. "Do they want to go back to yesterday or go forward and look at the future with me."